Pune, September 11, 2025: Global Indian International School (GIIS) Balewadi marked a significant milestone with the launch of its Junior College wing and the Career Counselling and University Guidance Cell (CCUG)—an initiative designed to help students identify their right-fit career option and provide guidance to get admitted to the best-fit universities across the globe.
The Junior College aims to cater to 42 students in its first academic year, offering science, commerce and Arts streams with flexible subject combinations in line with the National Education Policy 2020. The curriculum will emphasise multidisciplinary learning, experiential projects, and skill-building to prepare students for both Indian and international higher-education routes.
The inaugural event was graced by Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman, Vice-Chancellor of Symbiosis International University, as the Guest of Honour. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raman inspired students to embrace academic excellence alongside resilience, adaptability, and leadership. He emphasised the importance of character, lifelong learning, and readiness for the transitions that shape the journey from school to university and careers.
“It is commendable to see GIIS Balewadi launch initiatives that expand academic choices and provide career guidance. In today’s dynamic world, students need adaptability and resilience alongside knowledge, and GIIS is creating a platform for them to confidently pursue aspirations in India and abroad,” said Dr. Ramakrishnan Raman.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Munmun Chakraborty, Principal of GIIS Balewadi, said, “The launch of Junior College and CCUG represents our vision of holistic education that goes beyond academics. By combining strong academic choices with structured career guidance, we aim to equip students with the clarity, confidence, and competence to make informed decisions and thrive in their chosen fields.”
Adding to this, Anubhav Seth, Head of CCUG, GIIS Balewadi, said, “The CCUG programme will help students from grades 8-10th to understand themselves better via psychometric assessments, career exploration activities and personalised counselling sessions. The department will help 11th- and 12th-grade students to identify the right course and college options for students through comprehensive university application support, direct engagement with universities and one-to-one counselling sessions. We will ensure every student is well-prepared for the admissions to both Indian and global universities.”
Sharing her excitement, Niharika Khanna, a Grade 11 student at GIIS Balewadi, said, “It feels amazing to be part of the first Junior College batch. The guidance and support we are already receiving from teachers and counsellors is helping us explore new possibilities for our future studies and careers. It makes me feel confident about the next steps in my journey.”
The launch event also featured interactive sessions with university representatives, a career-planning workshop for parents and students, and a campus tour of the newly inaugurated facilities. GIIS Balewadi is further exploring global partnerships and early admission pathways to strengthen its students’ opportunities for international placements and scholarships.
With this initiative, GIIS Balewadi reaffirms its vision of nurturing students with knowledge, values, and future-ready skills, creating a strong ecosystem where learning meets opportunity and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges and possibilities of tomorrow.
